Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy

December 20, 2017

what does it cost to switch to safer products?

December 20, 2017

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the companies that support What You Make It.

Health concerns a few years ago got me started on my switch to safer personal products. For some reason, though I was otherwise healthy, I couldn’t seem to get pregnant. The more I looked into it, I decided it was time to make some changes.

But really I’d thought about it so many times before. And even since then, though it’s important to me, I can still make compromises in the safety of my products. Why?

Honestly, it’s because of the cost. It scares me to completely commit to safer because of the price tag I assume comes with it.

Lately I am getting much more serious about these switches, not just for me, but for my family and friends, too. The more I learn about the lack of regulation in our beauty industry, the more determination I feel. I think it’s time to debunk the thinking about the cost of safer products.

First, safer products can sometimes cost more because of the more rigorous testing of products and the higher quality of ingredients.

And then there’s the quality of the ingredients – take fragrance, for example. Manufacturers must list “fragrance,” but do not have to disclose the “trade secret” of the ingredients in their fragrance (or parfum). Many of the ones that go into fragrances are cheap and often dangerous fillers. Whereas higher quality ingredients don’t need to be hidden behind this label.

Second, because people are becoming much more aware of safer products, many more options are coming on the market. Competition and demand are good for the consumer. It means more products available at a variety of price ranges.

Third, most safer products are actually comparable in price to popular products on the market. I’ll show you a few. I don’t want to call anyone out, so I’m just listing prices based on top-rated products from Google. You can do more research if you would like.

I used to go pretty cheap when it came to most products. But those products don’t do much for me. The truth with me (and it seems a lot of other buyers) is that I would prefer to invest in a quality product that works.

Fourth, proper product portions are important. It’s easy to just see the price at face-value, rather than think about it in terms of use. If you use products in the amount intended for use, then you will see a difference in longevity of your product. Here’s a perfect graphic for how much you should be using.

And finally, where you put your money makes a difference. I’m a deal hunter, and I used to go for whatever would get me the better bargain in terms of cosmetics, hair care, skin care, etc. The more I invest in products that are cheap in quality and contain dangerous ingredients, the more the industry will produce those things.

BUT if I choose safer products and brands, and if you do, and if we all start making changes – we will turn the tide in the beauty industry. We will demand change.

So, at the end of the day, will you spend more on safer products? It can happen. But be smart, do your research, ask for recommendations. And consider the cost of not switching – health problems, allergies, a multi-billion dollar beauty industry that has zero regulation and testing, and cares little for its consumers. I say the switch is worth it.